On March 8th, we proudly celebrated InternationalWOMEN'S DAY

On March 8th, we proudly celebrated InternationalWOMEN'S DAY

Why We're Celebrating

We recognize the extraordinary contribution of women. From employees and franchisees, to suppliers and community partners, to our customers, we are inspired by your strength and leadership. In the U.S., we're proud to share that 6 out of 10 restaurant managers are women. They run the McDonald's business each and every day. So, in honor of women everywhere, we're flipping our iconic logo for International Women's Day.

Today, we celebrate you.

A Story of Inspiration

Patricia and her family's story is just one of millions of women's stories we recognize and celebrate on International Women's Day.

Without Women, there would be no McDonald's.

We're honored to be chosen by millions of women who have made us part of their stories. Here are a few we're celebrating.

Patricia Williams
Los Angeles, CA

Created golden success from humble beginnings.

Thirty years ago, Patricia invested all she had to open her first restaurant. Soon, she was running two restaurants and expanded to five total locations—including the first McDonald’s in Compton. Today, she creates opportunities within her community by employing over 700 crew members in 18 McDonald’s locations owned by her and her daughters. See more about her story in the film above.

Kerri Harper-Howie Berkeley, CA

Left law career to join the family business.

Kerri grew up with a strong female role model: her mother. By the time Kerri was in high school, her mom was running two McDonald's restaurants. Spending her teenage summers behind the counter, she learned customer service, leadership skills and the importance of earning her own money. Kerri's mother had always said she could accomplish anything, so she followed her passion to become a lawyer. After a successful career in that field, she made the decision to join her mother and sister in the family business. Together, the three women own 18 McDonald’s restaurants in the Los Angeles area—providing approximately 700 jobs to the community, scholarships to students and support for local charities.

Loraine Maurer Evansville, IN

Enjoying 44 years behind the counter, and counting.

After years of working at a drive-in movie theater, Loraine started a new career at her local McDonald's at the age of 50—and never looked back. Working behind the counter, she declined promotions, preferring to interact one-on-one with her customers; ones that have now become her life-long friends. Today, 94-year-old Loraine is still a fixture at the restaurant, spending weekends catching up with the crew, meeting friends and enjoying her favorite menu item: the Filet-O-Fish® sandwich.

Yazmin Bedoy Los Angeles, CA

From mentee to McDonald’s mentor.

Yazmin found guidance under a strong, successful woman and rose to become one herself. Like many teenagers her age, she took a part-time job in college for extra money. While working as a McDonald’s crew member, she found guidance and mentorship under the restaurant’s owner, Nicole. This relationship eventually led her to change her college major and pursue a management career at the restaurant. After several promotions—one of which occurred while she was eight months pregnant—she is now one of the youngest general managers in her city, running a large, successful location in LA.

Jade Colin New Orleans, LA

Focused on being herself.

For as long as she can remember, Jade has been an independent spirit. Her intuition led her to seek out her first job at age 14. Later, those characteristics were put to the test as she took a full course load in college while working the night shift at her local McDonald’s. After years of earning promotions and awards, today she owns her very own McDonald’s. There she still does things her way, mentoring her employees to pursue their own diplomas and giving back to her community wherever she can.

Chasity Hale Miami, FL

Found her voice through poetry.

Early on, while searching for a way to express herself, Chasity discovered a talent for writing. In high school, her work received recognition from several national award organizations, such as McDonald's 365Black Awards. She has even been awarded a McDonald's scholarship for her community-based poetry workshops. Since beginning her studies at a prestigious university, she’s become an active member in the community and strives to use her talents for humanitarianism.

Nicole Enearu
Los Angeles, CA

Changed careers to start an empire.

Nicole found success by leaving her lifelong career behind to join the family business. Growing up, she always knew partnering with her mother was an option down the line but wanted to explore other paths first. After attending graduate school, she started a career in social services. But a few years later, she moved closer to family to commit to building their business. Together, they own 18 McDonald’s restaurants and have been recognized for their contributions to the community, as well as support of their employees.

Julie Berkey Watertown, SD

Discovered success close to home.

Julie followed in the footsteps of her mentor to become a hometown success. When Julie first started at McDonald’s 27 years ago, things were different than they are today. In fact, it was pretty uncommon to have a female supervisor, but Julie found herself working for one of the first in her region. The two immediately clicked, and Julie learned the ropes, though it wasn’t always easy. Today, Julie is a manager at one of the most successful locations in South Dakota, where she aims to give her employees the same guidance and nurturing she once received.

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